12th Feb – 20h00

Warming hot chocolate in hand, a breathtaking fairy tale view of the garden from her perch in the bay window, but Breanna stared at herself in the darkened windowpane.

Milling thoughts from the afternoon's extraction occupied her mind. Michael had loaded them into the back of a truck attached to the convoy leaving the area. One of his men asked who they were; Breanna smiled at the ease he had replied.

"A covert team assisting in the operation," and continued with his duties as if it were all routine.

The convoy had left moments later, the back open to the balmy day, the small group looking like weary fighters. Chuckling, Breanna shook her head.

"Hey, here you are," Jesse spoke softly, stopping next to her, holding a glass amber liquid in each hand, "been looking for you. What you thinking so hard about?"

"Today," Breanna chuckled, looking into her cup, realising it was empty. Taking the extra glass of bronze liquid, "When we left all quiet and exhausted, it reminded me of a scene from one of those spy movies. You know people were everywhere, more vehicles than necessary, a mop-up team and of course the tired by successful fighters."

Jesse grinned, "Was sort of like that all those bodies being carried out from the rubble, medical teams and vehicles seem to just appear from everywhere."

"We did what we set out to do," Breanna sighed, "Darcia's laboratory is demolished; this part of her is finished. Sure she is still out there, but she cannot hurt anyone in the madhouse again."

"You didn't lose anyone either," Fiona spoke, joining them, "I saw you smiling a little when you looked around the back of the truck."

"Yeah?" Jesse hugged Breanna to his side, "what do you know... that cold place is starting to thaw."

A burst of laughter from the direction of the kitchen caught their attention.

"Wow," Fiona whispered in surprise as they turned in unison toward the sound.

"I see Tina has found the kitchen," Jesse grinned, "she said she wanted to teach them a few simple recipes."

"She really has her hands full," Breanna grinned, "I'm glad she found something to take their minds off today. They have been a little clingy."

"Can't say I blame them," Jesse said, "this is all new."

Nodding, Breanna thought of the difference between the group that left at dawn and returned hours later.

"Did David talk to you about "The Tina's" staying?" Fiona asked.

"Talk? No. Demand? Yes," Breanna chuckled, "I understand why. They want to be together. Once they have more confidence and are comfortable with the group, they'll start to integrate."

"You think so?" Fiona asked.

"Didn't you?" Breanna asked.

"I agree with Breanna," Jesse said, "it's clear they're confused, frightened and unsure. Tina has to confirm or deny everything said by anyone outside their group. It's going to take time to adjust and see they have a place here."

"I found them playing a game of hide-and-seek to find the kitchen," Breanna chuckled. "It's amazing how Tina took them under her wing, shows initiative taking matters into her own hands."

"It's not surprising," Fiona said, looking around at the magnificent décor, "have you seen this place. I'm sure it falls into the mansion section of homes."

"It has fifty bedrooms," Breanna shook her head, "it is a mansion. A little unexpected and kind of Michael to allow us to stay here."

"He seems different from what I thought he would be," Fiona said, frowning.

"Different how?" Jesse asked.

"I'm not sure," Fiona said, "I didn't expect him to be so ... normal."

"Why wouldn't he be normal?" Breanna asked.

"I thought he would be more like us," Fiona said, glancing in the direction of the kitchen as a cheer rang out.

"Sounds like success was achieved," Jesse nodded, "Tina is a strong woman. David is very proud of her."

Another burst of laughter drew the trio to the kitchen door. The five women inside were making something with pasta, vegetables and cheese. Fiona moved toward the group grinning as they accomplished these new skills.

"May I join you?" her soft question was met with sudden silence, everyone turning to Tina.

"Of course," Tina smiled, "it's Fiona, right?"

"Yes, it is," Fiona eased into the group, smiling and chatting.

Breanna caught the quick look of appreciation in Jesse's expression before turning to her.

"How are you doing?" Jesse whispered.

"Surprisingly well," Breanna replied, "I didn't expect to be brought to someone's home. I figured we would be incarcerated on the military base."

"Perhaps they thought everyone would be safer if we were here," Jesse chuckled, "we did almost flatten the base the last time."

"We did," Breanna grinned, "it didn't go well for anyone."

"How can you call a sprawling fifty-bedroomed mansion someone's home?" Jesse frowned.

"It definitely isn't a safe house," Breanna said, "there are too many luxuries. Besides, I don't see the military owning anything like this. It has to be someone's home."

"True, it has more amenities and luxuries than we've seen in a long time," Jesse nodded. "Did you see the indoor swimming pool, tennis court and a spa?"

Breanna chuckled at his enthusiasm, shaking her head, "I bet somewhere on the property there are stables as well."

"Maybe, but they're not inside," Jesse grinned cocking his head to the side, "that sounds like the home team arriving. Better go and get them settled. Chat later."

Breanna watched him move to the back stairs. Apparently, they descended to the central kitchen, kitchen garden, pantry and back courtyard of the Estate. Ambling down the long passage, Breanna took in the beauty of the vibrant colours on the walls complemented by the heavy curtains draped around large windows. Showcasing the property's gardens, lake, driveway, and lawns. The high ceilings added to the grandeur. Breanna could sense history on the air calling for her to be whimsical and dream. Stopping at a large window, she found herself taking in rolling lawns ending at the banks of a large lake where ducks swam and a pair of swans skimmed over the surface. Whoever owned this mystical place obviously enjoyed the beauty and peace afforded.

Who knew that today would start dangerously. Work through successful mission and extraction. Finding more missing people than expected, finishing looking at the beauty around them. Everything seemed surreal, leaving her wondering if the day's events had happened. If her aching body and depleted energy levels were to go by, it definitely had. Perhaps the writers of those books she loved to read knew a thing or two or more than they should. It still amazed her how life could change in a moment. Who knew that this morning, when heading out to take on her family's mad scientist, they would end up in a mansion with food and drink aplenty. Who knew that genetically enhanced humans would end the day, proving they were a team, trusting each other and choosing what they did in each moment of the day.

David was a strong leader. Clio knew how to manage. Reilly knew logistics better than his favourite sandwiches. Jesse had a sense of the environment and people. Valencia instinctively did what was necessary. Breanna couldn't believe they had chosen to trust each other, work as a unit and disobey orders … to save her life. Standing as a team and making a decision was the best thing to happen today.

"Bre," Clio called, striding toward her, "have you seen David and Kyle?"

"Not since they went into that room off the front entrance hall," Breanna said, "come to think of it, I haven't seen Michael either."

"Room off the front entrance … the one that looks like a study?" Clio frowned.

"Yep, that's the one," Breanna nodded.

"I thought that was the library," Clio said, "this place is so big it would take a year to know where everything is."

Breanna smiled as Clio leant against the opposite side of the window. Contented silence hung between them.

"Have you gone through the information David and Kyle pulled from Darcia's computer hard drives?" Clio asked.

"Not yet," Breanna said, "I still have to talk to them and get an understanding of the findings."

"You seem worried," Clio said, "today was a success."

"Yes, it was," Breanna nodded, "the information may hold answers needed, but it was Darcia's revelations that concern me. I've seen that type of jealousy. When harboured for so long, it becomes destructive."

"Destructive how?" Clio frowned, "for you or Darcia."

"I'm afraid for both," Breanna turned from the view, meeting Clio's watchful gaze rubbing at her forehead.

"Bre, one step at a time," Clio said, "tonight we are here, in a place that could be a Hotel. Just for tonight, relax and enjoy yourself."

"I'll think about it," Breanne said.

"Good," Clio nodded, spying Fiona and the Tina's emerging from the kitchen, "there they are. Chat later."

Watching Clio stride toward the group Breanna rested her head against the pane of glass, sipping at the glass of brandy. A respite before the oncoming hurricane.

"Hey Bre, you okay?" Valencia asked.

"Sure," Breanna smiled, "I see you have arrived safely. What happened? Everyone okay? Where is everyone? Did everything go, okay?"

"One at a time," Valencia chuckled, "reporting the status on the teams. Kyle and David are now sitting in the study conferencing with David's Commanding Officer and whoever else they are chatting to," Valencia said, ticking off items on her fingers. "Kyle has uplinks to all of Darcia's servers. The information found could be beneficial."

"Good," Breanna nodded, "what else?"

"The Away Team's injuries and medical needs are being attended. The Tina's are now downstairs feeding everyone they learn quickly and work well together," Valencia smiled, "by the way have you seen that kitchen?"

"Val," Breanna caught Valencia's attention, "update."

"Right," Valencia focused. "The home team have arrived safely," Valencia indicated herself, "although some of the men who came to collect us didn't leave unharmed. No one is dead just..." Valencia shrugged innocently, "not in good physical shape. On the home front, the neighbourhood cat care programme has been initiated. Those cats are being spoilt more than anyone should have the right to be."

Breanna chuckled, "Yes, the cats do seem to have a way of making themselves at home everywhere."

"Bre, I heard you let Darcia go," Valencia said quietly, "what stopped you?"

Sighing, Breanna turned to the window again, "I looked at her, and I saw the girl I grew up with. I remembered how many times I had tried to fix things for her. How many days I had encouraged her. I remembered the person who was sane, thoughtful at times, had a bit of compassion. When we were younger, we played together, as sisters, even friends. While hesitating, I lost my chance. After what I saw, I know that girl isn't there anymore," rubbing her hand over her forehead once more, "at the moment, I'm not sure about anything. I guess everyone is wondering why I didn't give Darcia a mental punch."

"We would have happily cheered," Valencia grinned at her, "no one blames you. She's your sister. It's not easy having to deal with a family member."

"That's just it," Breanna said. "She looked like Darcia, she even felt like Darcia at that moment, but the Darcia I grew up with ..." Breanna shook her head sadly. "That Darcia just isn't there, not even a little."

"If it comes down to making a choice between stopping her and protecting someone Bre, you may need to forget all the good stuff and see her for what she is now?"

"That is what bothers me," Breanna shook her head, "what happens if I can't deliver the blow?"

"We have faith in you," Valencia smiled gently, touching Breanna's shoulder, "when you lose your temper completely, you'll remember who needs to be dealt with and how."

"Thanks," Breanna smiled, receiving a hug, "did anyone tell you that you hug a lot?"

"I think it may have come up once or twice," Valencia stepped back. "I have an idea," Valencia said as she slung her arm over Breanna's shoulders, "why don't you worry about what will and will not happen when it happens." Valencia chuckled at Breanna's raised eyebrows, "Yeah, yeah, for once, live in the moment."

"Have you been speaking to Clio?" Breanna asked.

"No," Valencia shook her head, "has she been talking about living in the moment."

"Something like that," Breanna smiled, "what is the moment? You're making me worried."

Breanna found herself walking with Valencia toward the large living room where music played, and the rising tide of verbal noise was heard. Stopping in the doorway, Breanna took in the scene. She spotted small groups around the room. Some were dancing, others were trying stunts, and a game of dubious origins was being enjoyed in the far corner. Across the room, music was stopping and starting assisting an intriguing style of Musical Chairs played without actual chairs, the giggling indicating it was enjoyed nonetheless.

In the centre of the room, at a low table, some sat cross-legged on the floor involved in an intense poker game. Others huddled in a corner giggling, chatting and enjoying each other's company. Through an archway going into another room on the left side of the room, Breanna watched a pool game becoming more intense as the scores went up onto the nearby board.

"This is living in the moment," Valencia whispered.

"Is this downtime or games night?" Breanna asked.

"It's getting to know your team and family night," Valencia smiled, "you heard me right."

"Family? Team? They decided to be ..." Breanna looked around.

Valencia nodded, "The miracle happened when Darcia chained you to the chair."

"They didn't trust each other at the start," Breanna gazed around in wonderment as groups split up and mixed with other groups, "how did this happen?"

"You'd have to talk to Clio and David," Valencia shrugged, "all I know is what Cara told me. They weren't going to leave you behind. They had to come up with a plan quickly. Apparently, they decided that they would have to trust each other with their skills to complete the mission, all hands."

"Wow," Breanna whispered, "where do we go from here?"

"Good point, my friend," Valencia sighed, "Darcia is still out there, but our objective is done."

"Then for tonight, I shall take the advise," Breanna nodded. "Tonight, we relax, get to know each other and enjoy ourselves," Breanna smiled as they walked further into the room, greeting and chatting as they went.

Cold darkness concealed her from the world. Partially curtained windows allowed her to see them laughing, drinking, eating, talking and milling around the large living area. Tracking them to this place was challenging with the destruction of her primary facility. Looking at the stone walls and the beautifully landscaped gardens brought memories flashing to mind when she enjoyed similar nights in a house full of luxury, very similar to this one. People back then had been her friends. No, thought to be her friends. People who had turned away when she had progressed past what was sociably acceptable. People who scorned her. Scoffed at her. Chided her. Spoken down to her as though she were a child. Treated her genius and determination with disdain. Rendering her goals insane with their remarks and decisions. People who compared her to Breanna and found her wanting. People who looked through her and never attempted to understand her.

Breanna was in that world now. Let this night be theirs to think they have succeeded in conquering her. Let them believe her defeated and regret their actions. Dawn would bring a new understanding. An acknowledgement of their weakness, hopelessness, stupidity and inadequateness.

Tomorrow, the next step will begin; everything will be revealed to the world with a new day. Then they will know there are superior beings that can and will be more than they could imagine.

"You have tonight, sister," she snarled quietly into the darkness, "but tomorrow is mine."

Silently she moved from her hiding place, watching the scene she once longed to find inclusion and acceptance. Closing her eyes against forgotten pain, she used the shadows to disappear undetected.